Stuck looking for pre-k

[Trainwreck20]

I do believe that boys and girls develop differently emotionally, yet the school system is a 'one size fits all'. In generally, 'holding back' a boy on the cusp may help them fit in socially much better, especially in middle and HS. I don't think this is an issue of entitlement or making life easy...it is more an issue of not making an already tough time in a child's life even tougher. Drugs, cigarettes, 'dating' are all becoming issues. The big question is how do you know who is going to benefit (or needs the extra year) from starting early or late, when the time period you are aiming for is 10 years down the road?

Also, although I personally do not know anyone that started a child late for sports reasons, I am sure that there are occurences; however, it is my guess that that child is going to have other issues to deal with .

[TX transplant]

Thanks for all your responses.

Our kid is perhaps too mature for her age. One of those 3 y.o. going on 35! , so we refuse to hold her back.
She also already speaks 3 languages and can count backwards, among other things. I have heard of "the advantages" of waiting it out backed up with such arguments as "she will be the most mature in her class", etc. How can she feel in her element being the oldest? It just doesn't make sense. I am sure the curriculum taught will be appropriate for kids who just 4 but I can't see how it will be beneficial for her at 5 1/2.

Is there a waiver/appeal of some sort than can be requested? I do feel that she will be held back in the US system (her school is a private French one right now), and I seriously can't see her waiting until she is 5 1/2 to start school.

I should mention we are contemplating taking her out of the private school because our job situation has changed and we just can't keep up with the cost. Anyone know of the Stepping Stone school on McNeill. What are they like? Opinions seem to vary greatly from one of their locations to the next? Also how much does the Children's Courtyard cost?

Thanks a bunch, Guys!

[HappyTexan]

Originally Posted by TX transplant

Thanks for all your responses.

Our kid is perhaps too mature for her age. One of those 3 y.o. going on 35! , so we refuse to hold her back.
She also already speaks 3 languages and can count backwards, among other things. I have heard of "the advantages" of waiting it out backed up with such arguments as "she will be the most mature in her class", etc. How can she feel in her element being the oldest? It just doesn't make sense. I am sure the curriculum taught will be appropriate for kids who just 4 but I can't see how it will be beneficial for her at 5 1/2.

Is there a waiver/appeal of some sort than can be requested? I do feel that she will be held back in the US system (her school is a private French one right now), and I seriously can't see her waiting until she is 5 1/2 to start school.

I should mention we are contemplating taking her out of the private school because our job situation has changed and we just can't keep up with the cost. Anyone know of the Stepping Stone school on McNeill. What are they like? Opinions seem to vary greatly from one of their locations to the next? Also how much does the Children's Courtyard cost?

Thanks a bunch, Guys!

You may want to check out the UT Elementary school. It has a program for Gifted Students. Sounds like your daughter is way ahead of most pre-K teaching.

UT Elementary School

[TX transplant]

Thanks, I'll give them a call soon.

Oh and Gigi, as great a reputation as church schools have, we're not religious at all.

[gigi927]

I believe the kindergarten cut off dates are set by state law. I highly doubt there is an appeal or reconsideration process at the K level. I think once the child hits second grade you can try to get a younger kid in early but I believe the process for that varies from district to district (I am not positive on that, however).

I think your best bet when she's 5 is to just enroll her in a private kindergarten program so she's not repeating pre-K stuff.

Children's Courtyard rates vary - I looked awhile back, and I think it's roughly $500-$600 a month for a 3 day a week program, if I recall (AustinNewby can probably quote exact). Primrose and CC both charge between $700 and $900 a month, roughly, for a 5 day a week program. They are not cheap. I'd still say a church preschool is your best bet if you are looking at cutting expenses. You said you weren't religious, but if you're not full fledged atheists it might be worth looking at. The religious component can be big or very minor depending upon the program. you have to be okay with the kids saying grace and in some cases, spending 15 minutes or so in a chapel service every week. We are not really religious either, but we are not atheists, so we don't mind a little churchin' for our kids. Our son is in the 4yo program at Peace Lutheran 5 days a week and it is a great school. It is one of the few NAEYC accredited programs in Austin and they actually teach a curriculum to the pre-K profile for the public schools. We've been happy with it. not trying to sell you on going to a church school, but if your budget is limited there may be some tradeoffs that you have to make.

Your other option would probably be to look at Montessori programs since they are a bit more flexible about grade and age leveling. I imagine those are pricey, too, though.
Good luck with your search.

[gigi927]

Originally Posted by love roses

True My daughter is an April kid, but at the top of her height percentage. I won't hold her back as she seems to be on par with everyone else. But people do tend to expect her to act older than she is due to her height. I've been told it throws them off a little when they expect something from her and she's too young for whatever the activity.

That's so true. I have tall kids (dad is 6'5 and I'm 5'9) with May/June birthdays and I do think people do have different expectations when a child is tall and looks older than they actually are!!!!! Sometimes I have to adjust my OWN expectations of my son because he's as tall as most 5 and a half year olds and hangs out with some...that year does make a big difference!

[Austin Newby]

I'm currently paying $183/week for full-time care at the Children's Courtyard in Riverplace, which includes a 10% discount. It's a little more than the one in Cedar Park, which is closer to 183, but I didn't get a good vibe from the Cedar Park location (there were a TON of openings in the pre-K class along with a new director and lots of new teachers).

There is another place on 620 right at Anderson, behind Bank of America. I cannot remember the name of it, but I've heard nice things about it from neighbors. I think it's "First Foundations"- something like that. Gigi, do you know which school I'm taking about?

We did a church preschool program when we lived in San Marcos; it was like that Gigi described. They do grace before eating and have chapel once/week for a few minutes.

[gigi927]

Yes, Austin Newby, that is First Foundations. I have some friends who've sent their kids there and were very happy with it. They had a significant wait list when I was checking, but you never know when things open up!

[1basset]

My son will be three this month (Feb. 2008) and is currently enrolled at St. Martin's Lutheran. I am not happy with the teacher turn over. Do you have any thoughts/experiences at St. Paul's?